MID TERM EXAMINATION 2024-25

SECTION A: READING (20 Marks)

Passage 1 – Recycling Paper

Q1. Main benefit of recycling paper
Answer: (B) It reduces the number of trees cut down.

Q2. True/False
Using recycled paper increases landfill waste.
Answer: False.

Q3. “Turning trash into wealth” (40 words)
Answer: It means making waste useful. For example, old paper can be recycled to make new paper. This saves trees and energy, reduces waste, and also creates jobs. So, trash can become valuable instead of useless.

Q4. Word meaning “Burning waste” (Para II)
Answer: Incineration

Q5. Role of educational institutions (40 words)
Answer: Schools can promote recycling by teaching students its importance. They can keep collection bins and run awareness drives. Involving children in recycling activities makes them learn good habits and helps them understand how to protect the environment.

Q6. Complete the sentence
Instilling the value of using recycled paper in children can be achieved by teaching them about environmental protection and making recycling fun and accessible.

Q7. Opposites (antonyms)
Answer: (A) minimize ↔ increase
(D) discarded ↔ adopting

Passage 2 – Benefits of Reading

Q1. Analogy
Just as exercise strengthens the body, reading strengthens the mind and improves mental abilities.

Q2. Fact or Opinion
The statement that reading promotes critical thinking and creativity is a fact because it is an objective detail.

Q3. Fiction and culture (40 words)
Answer: Fiction allows students to see different cultures and lifestyles. Through stories, they learn how people live, think, and feel in other places. This builds understanding, empathy, and respect for diversity in a simple and enjoyable way.

Q4. Texas case study
Answer: Reading scores went up by over 60% and math scores by nearly 50%.

Q5. Reading culture & communication (40 words)
Answer: A reading habit improves vocabulary and grammar. Students learn how sentences are structured and ideas are expressed. This helps them speak and write clearly, making communication more effective and confident in both studies and daily life.

Q6. How reading promotes critical thinking?
Answer: (B) By exposing students to diverse cultures and experiences.

Q7. Word meaning “understanding and sharing feelings” (Para II)
Answer: Empathy

SECTION B: GRAMMAR & CREATIVE WRITING (20 Marks)

(i) Fill in the blank (Correct form of the word):
Dear Sir,
I am writing (write) as a concerned citizen to bring the condition of the community park to your kind notice.

(ii) Error & Correction:
Sentence: The environment give out an extensive range of products and services.

• Error: give
• Correction: gives

(iii) Reported Speech:
Myra asked if she could go out with her friends that day to have some pizza and ice-cream.

(iv) Dialogue Reporting (Shopkeeper & Customer):
The shopkeeper asked the customer what he wanted to buy. The customer said that he wanted to buy an office bag.

(v) Fill in the blank (Notice):
All interested students should send in their applications by 25 July 2024 to the undersigned.

(vi) Error & Correction (Newspaper report):
Sentence: Three passengers was killed and over 70 injured when Dibrugarh Express derailed.

• Error: was
• Correction: were

(vii) Error & Correction (Report):
An Air India Boeing 747 flight made an emergency landing at Mumbai Airport.

• Error: in
• Correction: at

(viii) Complete the Slogan:
Empowered women isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s the smart thing to do.

(ix) Dialogue Reporting (Mrs. Dutta & Maya):
Mrs. Dutta ordered her maid to prepare the lunch by 1 pm. Maya respectfully asked Mrs. Dutta where she was going and requested her to return early. Mrs. Dutta scolded her by asking if she was going to tell her what she should do.

(x) Fill in the blank (Analytical Paragraph):
Overall, world food consumption largely will comprise of processed food.

(xi) Narrative Completion:
A poet had a habit of talking to the trees along the roadside during his morning walk.

(xii) Error & Correction (Email):
Sentence: I am look forward to meeting you next week.

• Error: look
• Correction: looking

SECTION B: CREATIVE WRITING (10 Marks)

Option A – Paragraph (Tree Plantation Drive)

Our school’s ECO-CLUB organised a Tree Plantation Drive on World Environment Day. Preparations started a week earlier, with students arranging saplings and cleaning the ground. On the day, the chief guest and other guests were warmly welcomed with flowers. The event began with a short cultural programme, including songs and speeches about saving the environment. After this, the plantation started, and students, teachers, and guests planted saplings together. The chief guest delivered an inspiring speech, reminding us of our duty towards nature. By the end, the entire ground looked fresh and green. I felt very happy and proud to be part of this noble cause.

Option B – Paragraph (School Picnic)

Last Saturday, our school organised a picnic to Lodhi Garden. We reached there by bus, singing songs and laughing all the way. The teachers had arranged games, and we enjoyed playing cricket and badminton on the lawns. Later, we had a delicious lunch, shared snacks, and clicked photographs. Walking among the tall trees and flowers was refreshing. We also visited the monuments inside the garden and learned about their history. Spending the whole day with my friends and teachers was an unforgettable experience. I felt joyful, relaxed, and wished the picnic would never end.

Option C – Diary Entry (Child Labour)

Date: 22 September 2025
Monday

Dear Diary,
Today, on my way to school, I saw a young boy working at a roadside tea stall. He was hardly ten years old, yet he carried heavy trays and washed utensils. The sight made me feel very sad. Children are meant to study, play, and enjoy their childhood, not to work like adults. Child labour not only spoils their education but also their health and happiness. It is a crime and must be stopped. I wish every child could go to school and get the life they deserve. I have decided to spread awareness among my friends about this issue.

— Shobhit

The Rainy Day Surprise

It was a dull Sunday afternoon, and Rohan, a bored teenager, sat by the window watching the sudden downpour. With no chance of going outside, he felt stuck indoors. Restlessly exploring the storeroom, he stumbled upon an old board game covered in dust. Curious, he brought it out and convinced his family to play. At first, everyone hesitated, but soon laughter and excitement filled the room. The simple game turned into a thrilling adventure, sparking creativity and fun. Hours passed without notice, and Rohan realised that joy doesn’t always need fancy gadgets or outings. That rainy day became unforgettable, teaching him the happiness of simple family moments.

SECTION-C: LITERATURE

A. From “The Little Girl”

(i) What makes Kezia refer to her father as her “poor father”? Elaborate in about 40 words.
Kezia refers to her father as “poor father” because she slowly realizes that he works very hard and gets very tired. Initially, she feared him due to his strictness, but later understands that his aloofness was a result of his demanding schedule and exhaustion, leading her to feel sympathy for him.

(ii) Which of the following statements is true according to the passage?

• (A) False – He was not like Mr. Macdonald.

• (B) False – He had no one to look after him.

• (C) True – He was strict but caring.

• (D) False – He was harder than grandmother.

(D) Kezia’s father is as gentle as her grandmother. (Based on the broader story, Kezia’s father eventually shows gentleness, especially when comforting her.)

(iii) Kezia says the following about her father: “not so big, after all with no one to look after him.” Elaborate in about 40 words.
This statement reveals Kezia’s changing perception of her father. She initially saw him as a giant, imposing figure. However, after her mother fell ill and her grandmother went to the hospital, Kezia realized her father was also vulnerable and alone, needing care just like her, making him seem less intimidating.

(iv) Identify the word from the passage that means the same as ‘Exhausted’.
Tired

B. From “The Adventures of Toto”

(i) Complete the following with one word:
The Ticket Collector confused Toto with a dog.

(ii) Justify Grandfather’s frustration with the ticket collector’s classification of Toto as a dog. Answer in about 40 words.
Grandfather was frustrated because Toto was a monkey, not a dog. Despite his protests, the ticket collector insisted on classifying Toto as a dog, forcing Grandfather to pay extra fare. He felt it was unfair and illogical to categorize a monkey as a dog, especially when he had clearly explained Toto’s species.

(iii) What is the meaning of by “taken aback” as stated in the extract.
“Taken aback” means surprised or astonished.

(iv) Which aspect of the ticket collector’s actions does the passage mainly highlight?
(D) His willingness to negotiate fares.

C. From “The Road Not Taken”

(i) The literary device most prominently used in the phrase “Two roads diverged in a yellow wood” is ________.
Metaphor (or Symbolism, as the roads symbolize life choices).

(ii) What does the phrase “looked down one as far as I could” reveal about the speaker’s approach?
(A) The speaker did not look at all.

(iii) What does the imagery “where it bent in the undergrowth” suggest about the chosen path? Answer in about 40 words.
The imagery “where it bent in the undergrowth” suggests that the chosen path was less clear, perhaps untrodden and mysterious. It implies that the speaker could not see far ahead on this path, highlighting the uncertainty and unknown nature of the decision he was making in life.

(iv) What does the phrase “yellow wood” suggest about the setting in the poem?
The phrase “yellow wood” suggests an autumnal setting. The yellow leaves indicate the season, symbolizing a time of transition, change, and decision-making, as often seen in fall.

D. From “Rain on the Roof”

(i) What do the raindrops evoke in the speaker’s mind?
The raindrops evoke thousands of dreamy fancies and a thousand recollections in the speaker’s mind, bringing back memories and creating a pleasant, meditative state.

(ii) According to the poem, what effect does the sound of rain on the shingles have on the heart?
(D) It brings joy and excitement to the heart.

(iii) Describe ‘shingles’. How is the tinkling sound on the shingles created? Answer in about 40 words.
Shingles are rectangular pieces of material, like wood or slate, used to cover roofs. The tinkling sound on the shingles is created when raindrops fall upon them, producing a light, rhythmic tapping or pitter-patter noise that the poet finds soothing and evocative.

(iv) Fill in the blank with one word.
When the speaker says “air threads into woof” he means threads weaving together to form a fabric of dreams and thoughts.

Answer ANY FOUR of the following five questions, in about 40-50 words.

(i) Discuss the impact of technology on education in “The Fun They Had.” How does it affect Margie and Tommy’s learning experiences?
In “The Fun They Had,” technology profoundly impacts education by replacing human teachers with mechanical ones and physical books with telebooks. Margie and Tommy’s learning experiences are solitary and tailored to individual levels, often frustrating them when the mechanical teacher malfunctions or moves too fast. They lack the social interaction and shared learning of traditional schools.

(ii) How did Evelyn’s parents become aware of her deafness? (The Sound of Music)
Evelyn’s parents first noticed her deafness when she was eight years old and her mother called her name but Evelyn didn’t respond. Later, at age eleven, her grades dropped, and her headmistress urged her parents to take her to a specialist. It was then confirmed that her hearing was severely impaired due to gradual nerve damage.

(iii) What kind of encouragement did Kezia’s grandmother provide her to get to know her parents better? (The Little Girl)
Kezia’s grandmother encouraged her to develop a better relationship with her parents by often sending her to sit with them in the drawing-room. She also urged Kezia to make her father a pin-cushion for his birthday, hoping this act of love would bridge the emotional distance between them.

(iv) How did Einstein react to the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki? (A Truly Beautiful Mind)
Einstein was deeply shaken and distressed by the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. He had written to President Roosevelt in 1939, advocating for atomic research to counter Nazi Germany. The devastating use of the atomic bomb led him to become a vocal advocate for peace and disarmament, writing public letters to the United Nations proposing a world government to prevent future wars.

(v) Do you think the narrator in the story ‘The Snake and the Mirror’ is financially well-off? Justify your answer.
No, the narrator in ‘The Snake and the Mirror’ does not seem financially well-off. He lives in a small, rented room without electricity, lit by a kerosene lamp. He earns a meager salary as a doctor, having only about sixty rupees in his bag, indicating a modest income rather than wealth.

Answer ANY TWO of the following three questions, in about 40-50 words.

(i) For what reason does the lost child no longer care about the things he once wanted?
The lost child no longer cares about the things he once wanted – the toys, sweets, flowers, and balloons – because his primary focus shifts entirely to finding his parents. His deep fear and panic at being lost overshadow all desires for material possessions, making his parents’ presence his sole and desperate longing.

(ii) “Arguing with a fool proves there are two”. Discuss with reference to the story “In the kingdom of fools”.
The statement “Arguing with a fool proves there are two” resonates strongly with “In the Kingdom of Fools.” The king and his minister are utterly foolish, making absurd decrees like changing day to night and valuing a gold coin the same as a single rupee. Engaging in logical arguments with them is futile and dangerous, as demonstrated by the Guru, who wisely avoids direct confrontation, understanding that reasoning with irrational people is pointless and can lead to trouble.

(iii) In what way is Iswaran, a character from the story “Iswaran the storyteller” by R.K. Narayan, an asset to Mahendra?
Iswaran is an asset to Mahendra in several ways. He is an excellent cook and domestic help, managing all of Mahendra’s household needs. More importantly, he is a captivating storyteller, keeping Mahendra entertained with his dramatic and imaginative tales, making Mahendra’s solitary life in various work sites less lonely and more interesting.

Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions 100-120 words.

A. What do the two roads in the poem “The Road Not Taken” represent? What is the relevance of choosing a road? Elucidate.
Answer (easy): In the poem, the two roads show the choices we face in life. One road is easy and many people take it, the other is less used and harder. Choosing a road is important because it changes our life. The road we pick decides what experiences we will have and who we become. We can never go back to the other road, so we have to think carefully. Even if we make mistakes, the choice teaches us lessons. The poem shows that every decision in life matters and shapes our future.

B. Kezia determines that there are different kinds of fathers; Consider Kezia’s remark in light of her relationship with her father, as well as the Macdonald children’s relationship with their father with reference to the story ‘The Little Girl’.
Answer (easy): Kezia learns that fathers are not all the same. Her father is strict and sometimes scary, but he loves her. She sees Mr. Macdonald, who is kind, fun, and playful with his children. This makes her realize that fathers can be loving and strict at the same time. One day, when her mother is sick, Kezia feels her father’s care and comfort during a nightmare. She understands that he works hard and can be gentle too. Fathers may show love in different ways, but all love their children in their own way.

Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions 100-120 words.

A. Provide a character sketch for Iswaran, the storyteller. Do you believe he is superstitious? Justify and explain.
Answer (easy): Iswaran is Mahendra’s helper and cook. He is very loyal and cheerful. His best skill is telling stories. He makes his stories very exciting using gestures, voices, and drama. He loves Tamil thriller stories and makes them more interesting. Yes, Iswaran is superstitious. He believes in ghosts and spirits. For example, he tells a story about a mad elephant and a scary ghost woman with a baby. He truly believes these stories, and sometimes even Mahendra gets scared. Iswaran is fun, loyal, and a little scared of the supernatural. His stories show his imagination and belief in the unseen.

B. A child longs for toys, sweets and other thing but not at the cost of his parents. Comment with reference to the story “The Lost Child” in about 100-120 words.
Answer (easy): In “The Lost Child,” the boy sees many toys, sweets, balloons, and games at the fair. He wants them all, but he is with his parents, so he is happy. Later, he gets lost and cannot find them. Suddenly, the toys and sweets do not matter. All he wants is his mother and father. He cries, “I want my mother! I want my father!” even when a kind man offers him all the toys and sweets. The story shows that love and safety from parents are more important than anything else. Material things cannot replace them.

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